The coin plant, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is quite easy to propagate, allowing you to readily expand your collection or share with friends.
Here are the most common methods for propagating coin plants:
This is considered the easiest method.
- Locate healthy pups: Look for small, healthy plantlets (pups) emerging from the soil around the base of the mother plant.
- Separate the pups: Gently dig around the base of the pup to locate and sever the connecting rhizome as close to the mother plant as possible using a clean knife. Alternatively, if you remove the mother plant from its pot, you can gently pull or untwist the offshoot from the roots.
- Plant the pup: Place the pup into a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. There’s no need for rooting hormone as the pup likely has some existing root system.
- Water and care: Water the newly potted pup thoroughly but allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Place it in a location with bright, indirect light, [according to Lively Root].
This method is also very effective, particularly if your plant is becoming leggy.
- Take a cutting: Choose a healthy stem and cut a 2-3 inch piece from the main stem using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top.
- Root the cutting: You have two options for rooting:
– Water propagation: Place the cutting in a glass of clean water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the leaves are above the water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent rotting. Roots should appear within a few weeks.
– Soil propagation: Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Some sources suggest creating a humid environment with a plastic bag covering the pot, ensuring the bag doesn’t touch the leaves.
- Plant and care: Once the roots are at least an inch long (if propagated in water) or the cutting shows new growth (if rooted in soil), transfer it to a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Water thoroughly and place the plant in bright, indirect light.
This method is suitable for growing new plants from individual leaves.
- Prepare the cutting: Cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant at the base of its stalk, making sure to include a small portion of the main stem attached to the leaf stalk.
- Root the cutting:
– Water propagation: Place the cutting in a small container with clean water, ensuring the base of the stalk and stem portion are submerged and the leaf is above the water. Change the water weekly. Roots should appear within 1-2 weeks.
– Soil propagation: Plant the leaf cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the stem portion is buried. Creating a humid environment with a plastic bag or dome can be beneficial.
- Plant and care: Once the roots are at least an inch long (if rooted in water) or new growth appears, transfer the cutting to a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first 1-2 weeks as the roots adjust to the soil.
- Timing: The best time for propagation is during the plant’s active growing season, typically in spring and early summer.
- Tools: Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and prevent infection.
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light for the propagated plants. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Humidity: Maintain a humid environment, especially when rooting cuttings directly in soil.
- Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings once the plants are established.
- Patience: It can take several weeks for roots to form and new growth to appear, so be patient and continue to provide the necessary care.
By following these guidelines and providing proper care, you can successfully propagate your coin plant and enjoy growing new plants.
Can a coin plant grow in water?
Thanks for asking. Once you have cut it off, you can either stick the pup in water or pot it in dirt. I prefer the water method because I like to see the roots growing through the glass. For best results, stick your little glass or vase in indirect but bright sunlight. Once you see some roots growing, you can pot it.
Is it better to propagate a money tree in water or soil?
Great question! Propagating a money tree in soil is often recommended to enable the plant to grow strong roots. The soil contains many vital nutrients that the cuttings need to develop into full-grown plants.